You’ve read the reviews. Compared the specs. Torque numbers, Nm per euro, community debates about force feedback. But one crucial factor is missing from almost every buying guide: what if it doesn’t work out?
Sim racing hardware is personal. That 12Nm wheelbase reviewers praise? Could be too heavy for your driving style. Those load cell pedals that are “the gold standard”? Might not fit your cockpit or simply not provide the feel you were looking for. You only discover this after hours of driving, not five minutes of unboxing.
The problem: specs don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole story
With traditional electronics – a monitor, an SSD – you know what you’re getting from the specs. With sim racing hardware, it’s different. The experience is subjective, personal, and impossible to quantify in datasheets.
Some examples:
- Force feedback feel: Two wheelbases with identical torque specs can feel completely different. One smooth and progressive, the other aggressive with more detailing.
- Pedal feel: Load cell brake pedals vary enormously in stiffness, travel, and pressure point. What’s “realistic” for one person is “uncomfortably stiff” for another.
- Ergonomics: Does that wheelbase fit on your desk? Can you mount the pedals at the right distance? Does the wheel fit well in your hands?
These are things you only discover through use. And then a good return policy isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
Category 1: Buyer-friendly retailers
These stores treat returns as a service, not a problem. Here you buy with confidence.
Coolblue – “Everything for a smile”
Coolblue has built their reputation for good reason. 30 days to decide, even if you’ve tried the product (with reasonable use and original packaging). Free returns, fast refunds, and customer service that solves problems instead of creating them.
For beginners unsure about a Logitech G923, Coolblue is ideal: try it out, decide, and if it doesn’t suit you, return it without hassle.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazon (Fulfilled by Amazon) – Speed above all
Amazon.nl offers 30-day returns on most products shipped by Amazon themselves. The process is streamlined: print return label, drop off at a PostNL point, money back within days.
Important note: always check if the product is “Fulfilled by Amazon”. External sellers via Amazon have their own (often less favorable) terms.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
bol.com – The Dutch standard
bol.com applies 30-day returns for products sold by bol.com themselves. The process is similar to Amazon: create label, drop off, refund.
As with Amazon: pay attention to who the seller is. Products from external “plaza sellers” may have different conditions.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MediaMarkt – More generous than you think
MediaMarkt is a positive surprise. They offer 30-day returns and accept products you’ve tried “as you would in the store”. That’s exactly what you need with sim racing hardware.
The physical stores make returns extra easy: just drop it off and process it immediately. For a Logitech G923 or other entry-level setup you want to buy and try locally, MediaMarkt is a solid choice.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Category 2: Direct from the manufacturer
Buying from the manufacturer gives you the latest products and often exclusive bundles. But don’t expect the same flexibility as with major retailers.
Logitech Store – Reasonable terms
The Logitech webshop offers 30-day returns. You can try products, though they expect you to return them in “resalable condition”. Return shipping costs are usually on the buyer.
For Logitech products, the question is: why buy direct when Coolblue or bol.com have the same products with better return policies? Direct purchase is mainly interesting for exclusive bundles or new releases.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fanatec – The fine print
Fanatec offers 30-day return rights, but reality is more complex. They apply strict “like new” conditions and charge return shipping. Customer service is known to be… inconsistent.
For a Fanatec Ready2Race bundle or CSL DD 5Nm wheelbase, this can work fine if you’re certain of your choice. But for someone who wants to “try out whether direct drive is for me”, there are better options.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
MOZA – Great product, less flexible return policy
MOZA delivers fantastic products. The Moza R5 Bundle is one of the most popular entry direct drive setups. But their return policy is less favorable: 14 days, strict conditions about “unopened/unactivated” and return shipping is on the buyer.
Fortunately, more and more Dutch retailers sell MOZA. For the SR-P pedals or other MOZA gear: buy via Coolblue or bol.com if you have doubts. Same products, better safety net.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Category 3: The bare minimum
Not every store treats returns as a service. Some stick strictly to minimum legal requirements.
Alternate – Functional, nothing more
Alternate offers 14-day return rights (the legal minimum). Plus: €5.95 return fee. Their conditions are strict about “unused” and “original packaging”.
For sim racing hardware where you want certainty? Shop elsewhere. Alternate is fine if you know exactly what you want and have no doubts.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Comparison table: Return Policy Index
| Retailer | Window | Opened OK? | Return costs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolblue | 30 days | Yes (reasonable use) | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amazon (Fulfilled) | 30 days | Yes | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| bol.com | 30 days | Yes | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MediaMarkt | 30 days | Yes | Free (in store) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Logitech Store | 30 days | Yes (resalable) | Buyer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fanatec | 30 days | Limited | Buyer | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
| MOZA Direct | 14 days | Limited | Buyer | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Alternate | 14 days | Limited | €5.95 | ⭐⭐ |
Smart buying strategy per budget
Budget up to €400 (Entry-level)
You’re considering a Logitech G923 or similar. This is exactly the segment where “trying out” is crucial – you don’t yet know if sim racing is really for you.
Advice: Buy from Coolblue, bol.com or MediaMarkt. Try it for 2-3 weeks. Like it? Perfect. Not? Free return, no hassle.
Budget €400-€800 (Entry Direct Drive)
The Moza R5 Bundle or Fanatec CSL DD are popular choices. This is serious money and the difference from belt-driven is subtle – not everyone feels or appreciates it.
Advice: Check if Coolblue or bol.com has your desired setup. If so: buy there. MOZA products are now widely available from Dutch retailers with better return policies than MOZA direct.
Budget €800+ (Mid-range and High-end)
For products like the Moza R21 Ultra, the choice becomes harder. Not every retailer stocks high-end gear.
Advice:
- Check Dutch retailers first (Sim Race Webshop, Simracingstore.nl)
- Consider a showroom visit at XXL Racing to test hardware
- Only buy direct from manufacturer if the product is unavailable elsewhere
Why this is extra relevant in 2026
The sim racing market is growing explosively. New brands and products appear monthly. Reviews can’t keep up with reality, and what works perfectly for one user can disappoint you.
At the same time, we see more options through established retailers. MOZA at Coolblue, Fanatec at various webshops. This finally gives buyers choice: buy the same products with better protection.
Use this. A good return policy isn’t “handy if something goes wrong” – it’s the reason why you can experiment with confidence.
Conclusion
Specs and reviews get you a long way. But they don’t tell you how hardware feels in your hands, on your setup, for your driving style. You only discover that by driving.
So buy smart:
- Choose retailers with generous return policies – at least 30 days, tried products welcome
- Avoid stores with strict “unopened” conditions for hardware you want to test
- Pay slightly more at a retailer with good terms rather than “cheaper” at a store where returning is a battle
The specifications of a wheelbase don’t change depending on where you buy it. The return policy does. Take advantage of that.
This guide is written based on publicly available return terms as of January 2026. Always check current conditions with the respective retailer before purchase. MySimRig may receive affiliate commission on purchases through links in this article.